Live longer through friendship and kindness
There are a number of studies out there that link longevity to having a strong social network. In one book on the topic Marta Zaraska puts forth that focusing on social relationships and kindness might have more significant positive outcomes on longevity than diet and exercise alone. She points out one meta study found that those with a large social network were 45% less likely to die than those focused on good nutrition and exercise alone. Equally there are quite a few studies out there that link kindness and volunteering to longevity. If you're interested, just google it and you will find weeks of reading material.
So combining volunteering, kindness and a social network will help you live longer. Enter Rotary. While our club is virtual you can still form fantastic friendships with members of our club. For me personally I find committee work the easiest and most enjoyable way to get to know my fellow club members better while being productive and making a difference. If you prefer a more socially focused encounter join one of our general meetings early or stay late to chat with others who do the same. Or join one of our upcoming group socials. If you would rather get to know someone one on one reach out to any of our members to set up a chat. While it might not feel as easy to form friendships from afar it is certainly doable. I feel quite blessed to have gotten to know so many wonderful people from all over the world working on this cause and consider them to be fantastic friends.
While all volunteer groups need people to step up to contribute in order to make things happen I fundamentally value kindness more. Kindness can be small acts that include a genuine smile, words of encouragement or a contagious laugh. Anything that opens someone’s heart will have a positive effect on those around them. And this, in turn, will make you the friend everyone wants to have so that social network will just weave itself. Way easier than doing pushups! Maybe some smart doctors out there should start prescribing Rotary membership.
Moving intention into Action,
Michelle Seets
Rotary Club to End Human Trafficking President, 2022-2023
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